I'm putting together a group to attend the NRA Annual Meeting on April 26 to 28th in Indianapolis.  85,000 NRA members are attending the event which includes an expo, legal seminars, guest appearances and workshops.  It's one of those things you have to attend at least once, and is better than SHOT show for the firearm enthusiast.   It s good experience and training if you want to get involved in gun rights activism. 

https://www.nraam.org/

Notes from the 2017 https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=27477.0

I'm getting a count of people who are interested in attending so that I can book an AirBNB early to save money. 

Tentative Schedule:
Wednesday, April 24 - Fly out to Indianapolis
Thursday, April 25 - Arrive, settle in and see some sights.
Friday, April 26 - NRA Law Seminar
Sat/Sun April 27-28 - Attend the expo and workshops
Monday April 29 - Sight seeing
Tuesday April 30 - Fly back home

Things to do:
Not a whole lot to do in Indianapolis....looking for suggestions
Sporting events
Auto & horse racing
Hunt invasive carp http://www.peoriacarphunters.com/
Chicago (3hr drive)

Estimated costs
Airfare HNL to IND - $800
Transportaiton  - Car $90 or Uber $30/$70
Lodging - Hotel $425 or AirBNB $185

Other future events:
SAF Gun Rights Policy Conference, Phoenix AZ, Summer 2019
NRA Carry Guard Expo, Fort Worth, TX, September 6-8 2019

I have always wanted to go to this as well as the SHOT show. I figure once I retire I will have more opportunities to go. I’m sure I can convince my brother to go with me as well. 

Not this year but maybe next year.

My comparison of NRAAM vs SHOT for a firearms enthusiest

NRAAM
+ friendlier environment and motivational
+ workshops for instructors, activism, and volunteers
+ expo focused on the firearms enthusiest
+ family friendly
+ better guest appearances
+ cheaper entry fees
+ easy to register, just need to be a NRA member
+ feels more like a vacation than work.

SHOT
+ Expo is twice as large and more variety
+ it's in Las Vegas

Problem with Shot Show is you need to be in the firearms or a related industry to attend.  Looking at the requirements, I would not be able to attend the Shot Show.  Tell me if I am wrong, that the ordinary gun enthusiast would not be allowed to attend.

Problem with Shot Show is you need to be in the firearms or a related industry to attend.  Looking at the requirements, I would not be able to attend the Shot Show.  Tell me if I am wrong, that the ordinary gun enthusiast would not be allowed to attend.

 I've been to SHOT Show and NRAAM a few times.   You are correct that the NSSF has tightened the rules for attending SHOT show because it's meant for businesses and the vendors want to make large sales. Regular people get in the way like you're bothering them.

NRAAM is about half the expo size and many of the vendors are the same people from SHOT, but it's focused on the consumer, so they are a lot friendlier and relaxed.  Another difference is the expo makes up almost all of SHOT show while the expo makes up half of NRAAM with activities, workshops, and conferences make up the other half.

I always see people dreaming of going to SHOT, but most enthusiests will get a better experience at NRAAM unless they're looking for something specific like skeet clay throwers, specialized law enforcement equipment, or other unusual stuff.

May be I will be able to go in 2020.  I will be in NV and AZ the first half of March so can't afford another trip so close. 

A few things to do there

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Horseracing
https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-hoosier-park/racing
https://www.caesars.com/indiana-grand/racing

Dr Who warehouse store
http://www.whona.com/About-UsVisit_ep_7.html

Roller Derby
https://www.naptownrollerderby.com/

May be I will be able to go in 2020.  I will be in NV and AZ the first half of March so can't afford another trip so close.

The future NRAAM schedule:

    2020  Nashville, Tennessee
    2021  Houston, Texas
    2022  Undetermined
    2023  Indianapolis, Indiana

I would like to also attend the USCCA CC Expo.  You can live fire guns you are interested in there with CC classes on techniques, scenarios and other good stuff, along with many vendors.  It is getting bigger every year.  If I do attend a gun show or expo, it will have to be in a state where my CCW permit is valid or I won’t go.

Problem with Shot Show is you need to be in the firearms or a related industry to attend.  Looking at the requirements, I would not be able to attend the Shot Show.  Tell me if I am wrong, that the ordinary gun enthusiast would not be allowed to attend.

Yes, you need an invite.  There are other gun shows in Vegas, but I've heard they're all shitty.  There is one near Premium Outlet North in 2 weeks.  Called 4 diff gun stores to ask how it is and all said don't go.  But they do allow you to carry, just not chambered.  Unlike Shot Show.

When the NRA has its meeting in Kailua Kona I'll go.
I'm a life member,  but I tire of them ignoring the rampant
abuse the state of Hawaii practices in violation of the US
Constitution.

I would like to also attend the USCCA CC Expo.  You can live fire guns you are interested in there with CC classes on techniques, scenarios and other good stuff, along with many vendors.  It is getting bigger every year.  If I do attend a gun show or expo, it will have to be in a state where my CCW permit is valid or I won’t go.

I was contemplating USCCA in Pittsburgh May 17 to 19 or the NRA Carry Guard.   UScca is too close to the nraam for me.

I am looking at 2020 to go to some gun expo as I will be spending a lot more time on the mainland. 

Currently sold out.  Jim Lovell teaches good firearms classes and has a good youtube channel.  He's teaching a couple of classes after the NRA meeting in Indiana


Date: 4/29/2019
Company: Warrior Poet Society
Course: Pistol 1
Description:
This 1 day course lays the foundation for all future pistol training. Safety, range etiquette, clearing, loading, equipment, fundamentals of fire, drawstroke, clearing stoppages, common mistakes, and warrior mindset are the main subjects tackled in this essential course. Though this training is designed for beginners, the subject matter and technique allows students to build realistic skills that can survive the test of stress and small time constraints.

Date: 4/30/2019
Company: Warrior Poet Society
Course: Pistol 2
Description: This 1 day course begins with a review of safety protocols and an audit of each individual’s shooting fundamentals and basic skill sets (draw stroke, reloads, etc). During this course, students will learn use of cover/concealment, concealed carry considerations, fighter mindset, and movement. Prior training is required to be eligible to attend this course.

Course website to register:
https://warriorpoetsociety.us/training/

Motor Speedway Museum
https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/at-the-track/museum

Gun ranges to visit
https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=gun%20range&find_loc=Indianapolis%2C%20IN